SCOUTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18599, 21 June 1930, Page 15 (Supplement)

SCOUTS

The following policy has received the approval of the heads of all leading denominations of religion throughout the Dominion:—(l) It is expected that every Scout should belong to some relgiious denomination, and attend its services; (2) Where a Group is composed of one particular form of religion, it is hoped that the Group Scoutmaster will arrange such denominational religious observances and instructions as he, in consultation with its Chaplain or other religious authority, may consider best; (3) Where a Group consists of Scouts of various religions, they should be encouraged to attend the service of their own denomination, and Group church parades should not be held. The Commissioner paid his first visit to the Geraldine Troop during the week, accompanied by the District Scoutmaster. Before presenting warrants to the Cubmistress and the Scoutmaster, an inspection of the Troop was made. Patrol work by signals, and a little scout work was arranged by the District Scoutmaster, who stressed the fact that the Patrol system must be undertaken by the Scoutmaster as being the most satisfactory method of raising the standard and loyalty of the Troop, or of any other Troop. Co-operation by Patrol Leaders is the foundation stone of this system. After addressing the Troop and Committee, the Commissioner called Scout Brunton from the ranks and congratulated him on his regular attendance. In cycling six miles every meeting night from Woodbury to be marked present was an example to every Scout. Supper was provided by the Committee, the Commissioner remarking on the enthusiasm of members, some of whom had been on the Committee over ten years. Highfield reports that the following Scouts reported to the St. John Ambulance Class last week: —N. Saggers, L. Pawson, N. Hunter, J. Duncan, D. Thomson, R. Chapman, S. Freeman, T. D. Eliot, Troop Leader E. Murray and A. S. M. Sullivan. Those Scouts remaining practised morse and ambulance, and at 8 o'clock a debate was arranged, the subject being “Cars v. Horses.” In the Scoutmaster’s opinion the modern vehicle had the best of it. A team was chosen for a football match against one of the local Troops and che first practice match was held last Saturday morning. The Superintendent of St. John Ambulance reports that he has arranged for about three classes to be held in connection with the Scout Troops. He is pleased with the .rrjout of boys, and with such a good muster he has called for additional help. During the absence of the D.S.M. all notes for the “Herald” are to be left with A.S.M. Sullivan. Owing to the inclement weather prevailing there was not a full attendance at the Scouters’ meeting during the week. After the business had been completed, a discussion arose on the Patrol system and the difaculty of making boys accept responsibility was raised, the Scouters pointing out that many Scouts did not seem to realise that the Patrol Leader’s word was final. This apparent difficulty would be less of an obstacle if Scouters will impress upon their Troops the fundamentals of the system.